The Art of Coaching: Building Blocks to Breakthroughs
The USC HR Learning and Organizational Development Office invites you to join its fifth Annual Coaching Culture Conference, a free event, which takes place from 9:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, at the Doheny Memorial Library, Room 240, UPC.
The conference is designed to support learners at every stage of their coaching journey while advancing a shared goal: strengthening and sustaining a thriving coaching culture across USC.
To better meet the varying experience levels across our community, the conference is organized into two distinct sessions. Registrants are welcome to choose the session that best aligns with their background and interests-either the morning or the afternoon session-or they may sign up for both sessions if they would like to participate in the full-day experience.
Morning Session: Foundations / Coaching 101
Ideal for those who are new to coaching or seeking a refresher, the morning program focuses on the essential building blocks of coaching, while introducing practical ways to leverage AI as a supportive coaching co-pilot. Attendees will explore what coaching is—and what it is not—while learning core language, foundational models, basic techniques, and gain insight into how AI can be used as a thought partner without replacing the human element. The tone is supportive, accessible, and designed to build confidence while building practical skills.
Afternoon Session: Advanced / Applied Coaching
The afternoon is tailored for individuals with prior coaching exposure or training, including returning conference participants. These sessions dive deeper into the art of coaching, exploring how to navigate complexity, strengthen presence, and lead with a coaching mindset. This segment reflects the “breakthroughs” aspect of the theme, helping experienced coaches refine their craft and expand their impact.
While participants will attend either the morning or afternoon session, both offerings contribute to a shared learning pathway that strengthens USC’s coaching culture.
Ready to join us?
Registration is now open!
Choose either the morning or the afternoon session (or both). We look forward to learning and growing together.
The learning outcomes of this interactive conference will be:
- Enhance Growth Through Coaching: Foster a growth mindset, adaptability, and resilience to drive team collaboration and learning.
- Cultivate Communication Skills: Practice active listening and powerful questioning to strengthen connections and promote open dialogue.
- Experience Coaching in Action: Observe a coaching session and engage in discussions and networking to build a supportive coaching culture.
The topics and panelists are:
Keynote Speaker
Stacy Roberts, Senior Vice President of Human Resources
10:15-10:30 a.m. and 2:15-2:30 p.m.
Morning Session: Foundations / Coaching 101
9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Session #1
Coaching 101: Foundations of Professional Development Coaching
Tom Badzey, Employee Assistance Professional, USC WorkWell Center, Behavioral Health/Health Affairs
Session #2
AI as Your Coaching Co-Pilot
Erica Beggan, Organizational Development Specialist, Learning & Organizational Development, USC HR
Michelle Tam, Employee Development Specialist, Learning & Organizational Development, USC HR
Afternoon Session: Advanced / Applied Coaching
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Session #1:
Coaching in the Gray Area: Navigating Complexity with Confidence
Elaine Padilla, Senior Employee Development Specialist, Learning & Organizational Development, USC HR
Jody Tolan, Assistant Professor of Clinical, Founding Director, Robert J Coury Applied Leadership Program, USC Marshall School of Business
Session #2
Lead with a Coaching Mindset. How Effective Leaders Unlock Potential
Dr. Damian Goldvarg, Global Leadership Development Expert and Executive Coach, Goldvarg Consulting
No Host Networking-USC University Club
5-7 p.m.
If you have any questions, please email tlntdev@usc.edu.
This program is open to all eligible individuals. University HR operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.